After a bicycle accident in Missouri, you might be wondering what you should and should not do to preserve a potential legal claim. Decisions like posting on social media about your bike accident, inadvertently admitting fault, and hastily settling your claim can be detrimental to obtaining the compensation you deserve.
At Goza & Honnold, we are committed to providing you with award-winning representation and professional legal guidance throughout your bicycle accident claim process. We are successful litigators and can assess the best legal options available to help obtain the most favorable outcome for you.
5 Common Mistakes Following a Missouri Bicycle Accident
In the aftermath of a bicycle accident in Missouri, it can be difficult to determine what actions you should take and what might inhibit your ability to recover potential compensation. We encourage potential clients to avoid these common mistakes
1. Posting About Your Bicycle Accident on Social Media
While it might be commonplace to post about your safety or frustrations on social media following an accident, this may actually inhibit your potential compensation in a bicycle accident claim. The at-fault driver’s insurance company may find information to be used against you or your case. Refrain from social media posts to avoid any negative inferences down the road.
2. Admitting Fault for the Bicycle Accident
Accidents occur quickly, and it can be stressful to talk to the driver involved about what happened. It is best not to comment or agree with anything the at-fault driver says following the accident, as it could be misconstrued as an admission of fault and could affect your bicycle accident claim.
3. Hastily Settling Your Claim on Your Own
Settling on your own with the liable party’s insurance company can be a mistake because the insurance carrier will often offer less than you deserve for your bicycle accident claim. To receive maximum compensation, it is extremely important that you work with an experienced Missouri bicycle accident lawyer.
4. Failing to Gather Vital Evidence at the Accident Scene
If your injuries do not prevent you from doing so, a significant step you can take is gathering some evidence at the accident scene. Your lawyer can assist in obtaining all available information about the scene, but you can also help by taking photos or videos and collecting contact and insurance information for the parties involved or any witnesses.
5. Failing to Seek Medical Attention
Failing to seek medical attention following a bicycle accident in Missouri is a mistake that may affect your personal injury claim, as medical documents and treatment records serve as an essential connection between your injuries and the bicycle accident, as well as evidence. Without proof of your diagnosis and treatment plan for injuries, it may be challenging to prove your claim and obtain fair, maximum compensation on your behalf.
Damages You May Recover in a Missouri Bicycle Accident Claim
Damages you might be entitled to depend on the severity of the bicycle accident and the extent of the injuries you have suffered. Working with an accomplished Missouri bicycle accident lawyer can help you potentially recover compensation.
The potential economic and non-economic damages you could recover in a successful bicycle accident claim include:
- Medical care expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of ability to work
- Disability
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Property damages
Speak with a bicycle accident lawyer at Goza & Honnold for a thorough assessment of your situation to determine the value of your claim and the best legal actions moving forward.
Speak With the Knowledgeable Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Goza & Honnold
Bicycle accidents may cause significant injuries, especially in instances of high-impact collisions with negligent drivers. Protect your right to compensation by avoiding common mistakes following an accident. At Goza & Honnold, we have decades of experience fighting for personal injury victims, and we know what it takes to build a successful bicycle accident claim in Missouri.
Schedule a complimentary consultation at (913) 451-3433 or fill out our contact form to speak with one of our bicycle accident lawyers today.